Chowder, Brews and Tunes on the Oregon Coast

Posted by OCVA/ September 21, 2016

Lincoln City, OR – Fresh clam chowder with a cold microbrew…the perfect pairing for a cool fall afternoon. And in Lincoln City, home to seven miles of smiles, there will be plenty of both to smile about at the Inaugural Chowder & Brewfest on October 8th, presented by Mo’s Restaurants. Celebrate the comfort food of the Oregon Coast at Lincoln City Outlets from noon to 6pm.

The fun begins at noon with Mo’s Restaurants’ famous clam chowder, which will be available to sample all day. An Oregon Coast fixture for over 70 years, Mo’s Restaurants have seven locations across the region and are synonymous with the clam chowder dish. Samples of chowder are included with admission and full servings are available for purchase. Mo’s, in addition to clam chowder, will also be serving an exclusive menu at the festival.

Patrons, 21 and over, can enjoy tasting craft beer and cider from over 15 regional microbreweries. Participating breweries include Ninkasi Brewing, Santiam Brewing, Good Life Brewing Company and Rusty Truck Brewing. Each brewery will have a selection of thirst quenching ales to pair with the Oregon Coast’s signature comfort food. Five tastings are included with admission. And for the wine lovers, have no fear; Willamette Valley Vineyards will be serving a selection of wines for an additional charge.

As if great chowder and beer was not enough, enjoy cool tunes from headlining band Hit Machine. Performing classic tunes from all eras, Hit Machine is as musically diverse as they are talented. It is not uncommon to hear songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, AC/DC, the Bee Gees, and Def Leppard all in the same set. Based out of Portland, Hit Machine’s lead singer, Bart Hafeman, is excited to bring his group to the Oregon Coast. “The band is very excited to be headlining the festival,” says Hafeman. “This is actually our first performance in Lincoln City, so we want the show to be memorable.”

Asking what kind of songs visitors can expect to hear, Hafeman promises a set list everyone can enjoy. “We’ve been playing an even mix of old and new tunes. You’re likely to hear a song by Bruno Mars mixed in with Prince. The set list is family friendly and we encourage audience interaction.” Mixed in is a new original track by the band called “Hey Now.” “We just finished it with Grammy Award winning producer Mark Heimermann,” beams Hafeman. “Back when I started the band, it was really hard to make it as an original act. So when we decided to be a cover band, we wanted everything to be top quality: the musicianship, songs and performances. Now that we’ve gained a following, I decided to integrate originals into the set list. The results have been positive, and we hope people will enjoy it.”

Admission to the Chowder & Brewfest is $20 for adults 21 and over, and includes free chowder samples, 5 beer or cider tastings, live music and more. Additional beer tastings are available for $1 each. Designated drivers and youth, ages 12 to 20, are $10 per person. For tickets and more information, please visit chowderbrewfest.com.